First flying prototype of Boeing 777-9 gets its wings

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Everett - The first flying prototype of the Boeing 777-9 has received its new CFRP (Carbon fiber reinforced polymer) wing in Seattle.

Last week, Boeing published a short film about the rollout of the test body from the assembly hall. This non-flying 777-9 has a structurally complete hull and a structurally complete wing, but no full tail and no engines and other parts. It was used for static tests on the ground.

Meanwhile, the first flying prototype has received its wings. The new wing, with more bulge than those of the 777-300ER, is mostly made up of carbon fiber composite material.

Boeing published the images of the composite wings being assembled to the fuselage.

Due to the 72-meter (236 ft) wingspan of the new wing, the wing tips of the 777-9 can be folded up on the ground so that the aircraft could fit into the conventional gates of the Boeing 777-300ER (65-meter wingspan).

The first flight of the 777-9 is planned for 2019. One year later, deliveries to customers should begin.